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Margie
Permanent Resident
1013 Posts |
 Posted - 07/25/2012 : 6:06:00 PM
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I love making socks but wear them out on both the ball of the foot and under my heel. Even just my bed socks are wearing out that way.
Any suggestions would be more than welcome.
Margie and Mimi (my hearing dog who doesn't knit -- yet)
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jtamsn
Permanent Resident
USA
1579 Posts |
Posted - 07/26/2012 : 2:10:30 PM
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I do a flap heel and have not had a problem, however, when I was starting to make socks, I would often use a "reinforcement thread" on the heel and toe to give them extra strength.
judy |
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socks4all
Permanent Resident
USA
1445 Posts |
Posted - 07/27/2012 : 12:16:52 PM
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| I do an afterthought heel so that I can rip out the old, holey heel and replace it with a new heel. I would also consider using reinforcing thread on the heel and toes but in your case to extend the threaded zone beyond the toe to the beginning of your arch. Also, the tighter the gauge, the longer the sock will last. |
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kkknitter
Seriously Hooked
641 Posts |
Posted - 07/27/2012 : 4:40:56 PM
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I use a heel flap most of the time and knit it either in Eye of the Partridge pattern, or alternate knit one, knit one through the back loop, or knit one, slip one. Going down one size one the needles is also a good idea.
Kristina |
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ikkivan
Gabber Extraordinaire
USA
429 Posts |
Posted - 07/28/2012 : 06:54:15 AM
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I have learned to do some or all of the aforementioned things, too ... and the tighter/smaller the gauge, the longer-wearing the sock. I often go down a needle size just for the heels. Using really good yarn helps, too, those with a good wear-like-iron reputation, 75-80% wool with the remainder in nylon, etc. And I have a hard time resisting the urge to use reinforcement thread (I use the "sock" reinforcement yarns) for my known wear spots, regardless of the quality of yarn I use. I always think, since I'm already knitting these anyway ...
To my senses, some of the better wearing sock yarns have a less-soft feel to them in the skein, but they do soften up a bit after being washed, and they feel just fine to my feet.
Also, after reading Clara's The Knitter's Book of Socks, I've been reminded that socks are designed to be worn (except for bed socks, I suppose) inside proper-fitting shoes. And I never go around in just my sock feet; that's hard on socks.
Donna, with intentions always bigger than her available time. (OkieDokieKnitter on Ravelry) |
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jaymeKnits
Permanent Resident
USA
1326 Posts |
Posted - 07/28/2012 : 6:43:45 PM
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Get a pedicure! Socks wear between your feet and what you walk on. If you soften your feet it will make your socks last that little bit longer. Also check out patterns with stranded pattern on the feet. knitters Book of
Socks has 2 or 3 of them.
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Check out my patterns:
http://www.ravelry.com/designers/jayme-stahl |
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eldergirl
Permanent Resident
USA
1673 Posts |
Posted - 07/28/2012 : 9:57:38 PM
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I wear mine out in the same places, Margie----Aaaaak!
I have darned the holes, and that has given me more wear, but I want to figure out how to knit in a nylon thread along on the heel and the ball of the foot, but not over the top of the sock. This has not appeared on my radar yet!
Lots of hints here: I think reinforcing the areas is what to go for, I just am not sure of how!
Best wishes,
Anna
Life is beautiful. |
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ikkivan
Gabber Extraordinaire
USA
429 Posts |
Posted - 07/29/2012 : 2:33:05 PM
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Eldergirl/Anna ... I have "knit-woven" reinforcement thread across the bottom only of socks. I start across the bottom and when I am ready for the instep, I just drop the reinforcement thread; I cut a plentiful length and after knitting the next row across the sole, I use a tapestry needle to go across the just-knit row (half round?) BACK to the beginning of the sole half. On round 3, I knit across again, drop the yarn at the instep and then repeat.
Is this understandable at all? It takes a bit of extra time, but for me it is only for about an inch or so, and isn't all that bad, really.
Donna, with intentions always bigger than her available time. (OkieDokieKnitter on Ravelry) |
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eldergirl
Permanent Resident
USA
1673 Posts |
Posted - 07/29/2012 : 8:53:47 PM
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Thank you Donna! I actually understand this, and had always wondered how folks went "back" to the beginning of the sole half.!
Many thanks,
Anna
Life is beautiful. |
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Margie
Permanent Resident
1013 Posts |
Posted - 08/20/2012 : 3:32:31 PM
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Thanks for all the suggestions. I'll try many of them. I am using some gunk on my feet to make them softer (errr, forgot to ask for more today -- ah well, must have been thinking of other things).
I probably walk a great deal more than the rest of the world. A) I don't drive, b) have a service dog and we're to be out at least an hour a day ( helps on the waist :-), and I have to walk to and from the bus at least. No complaints, just wish my sock heels (and toes sometimes) would last last and then some.
Margie and Mimi (my hearing dog who doesn't knit -- yet)
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Shalee
Permanent Resident
USA
2021 Posts |
Posted - 08/20/2012 : 6:22:13 PM
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I was told by my DH's podiatrist to use vasoline on his feet. The doc cought me rubbing lotion on his feet. (My DH had very pitted and rough feet, as a result of being stationed in Vietnam.) Within just a week I could see a marked improvement in his feet. Just before bed I occasionaly rub a very small amount on my heels. A very small amount is all that is needed. Then I rub my hands together and around my cuticles. By using a very small amount your feet and hands are not greasy, but it does make a difference.
Sharon in NW PA
I always wanted my own library but I didn't realize it would be all knitting books!
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robinstephanie
Seriously Hooked
USA
870 Posts |
Posted - 08/21/2012 : 07:07:07 AM
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Donna, I really like your idea of only going half way around the foot. I've knitted socks with reinforcement thread recently, and couldn't get a good color match. Totally changed the look of the sock and i wasn't really happy about it. I'll try your method next time. If there's a color change at least it will be only on the bottom of the foot.
Robinsteph
Different is good. ~Matthew Hoover |
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heels that last
